Zinc Deficiency and Lymphocyte Subpopulations. A Study by Flow Cytometry

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Abstract
Zinc deficiency is well known to alter immunity. We report the case of a 18-yr-old female with relapsing Crohn's disease who experienced acrodermatitis enteropathica due to zinc deficiency during total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Blood lymphocytes have been studied by flow cytometry: before zinc treatment an important decrease of T-helper lymphocytes with high level of OKM-5 + lymphocytes had been observed. Zinc-supplemented diet induced within a few days, a rise of T-helper lymphocytes and a proportional reduction of OKM5 + cells. Increased values of high metabolism surface marker (OKT-9) were also observed, as well as cytoplasmic modifications. The authors suggest that lymphocyte surface markers could be useful to monitor TPN in patients at high risk for zinc deficiency. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 10:239-241, 1986)